If you love a good, buttery cookie with a burst of fruity sweetness, then jam cookies are the perfect treat for you. These cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and have a sweet center filled with your favorite jam—whether it’s strawberry, raspberry, or apricot. The balance of the buttery cookie and tangy jam creates the perfect combination that’s hard to resist.

Jam cookies are simple to make and require just a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. They’re also customizable, so you can experiment with different jam flavors or even mix and match for a unique twist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family treat, or just a moment of indulgence, these jam-filled cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. Let’s dive into how you can make the best jam cookies in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Yet Delicious

These jam cookies are made with basic ingredients, yet they pack a huge flavor punch. Their buttery texture pairs perfectly with the fruity jam filling, making them irresistible.

2. Customizable Flavors

You can use any jam or fruit preserves you like. From classic strawberry to exotic options like blueberry or apricot, these cookies are versatile and customizable to your taste.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a sweet afternoon treat, jam cookies are a great addition to any dessert spread.

4. Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy baking techniques, making it great for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

5. Great for Gifting

Pack these jam cookies in a cute jar or box, and they make an adorable and thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

Butter
Sugar
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Salt
Jam or fruit preserves of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, etc.)

Variations

1. Nutty Jam Cookies

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the dough for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

2. Lemon Jam Cookies

Add a bit of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that pairs perfectly with berry jams.

3. Chocolate Jam Cookies

Mix in some cocoa powder to the dough and use a chocolate-based jam, such as cherry-chocolate, for a rich and indulgent treat.

4. Coconut Jam Cookies

Roll the edges of the cookies in shredded coconut before baking for a tropical flair.

5. Marble Jam Cookies

Swirl two types of jam (e.g., strawberry and blueberry) together to create a marbled effect inside the cookie.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3: Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl, then gradually add this to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and is soft and pliable.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Take a small amount of dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into a ball. Place the dough ball on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten it with your fingers. Use your thumb or a spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.

Step 6: Fill with Jam

Fill the indentation in each cookie with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam or fruit preserves. Don’t overfill, as the jam can spill out while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will firm up as they cool, but the centers should remain soft and jam-filled.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Be sure to use room temperature butter for the best texture and easier mixing.
If you want perfectly round cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
Don’t overfill the cookies with jam to avoid it spilling over during baking.
You can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and roll out.
Experiment with different types of jams, but make sure they aren’t too runny to prevent soggy cookies.

How to Serve

These jam cookies are perfect on their own as a sweet snack or dessert. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. Serve them on a platter for a festive gathering or pack them in a lunchbox for a delightful treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your jam cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them to prevent condensation.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough for later use. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual (you may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time).

Reheating

To bring the cookies back to their original soft and delicious state, warm them up in a low oven (about 275°F or 135°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use egg substitutes?

Yes, you can use an egg replacer or flax egg if you prefer to make these cookies egg-free.

2. What’s the best jam to use?

Any fruit jam works well, but raspberry, strawberry, and apricot are classic favorites. Choose one you enjoy!

3. Can I use a different fat instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan option.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

5. How do I prevent the jam from spilling over while baking?

Don’t overfill the cookie indentations with jam, and be sure the cookies are baked until golden to keep the jam contained.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add some chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist on these jam cookies.

7. Can I use store-bought jam?

Yes, store-bought jam works just fine for these cookies, but make sure it’s thick and not too runny.

8. How can I make these cookies more festive?

Top them with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for an extra special touch.

9. Can I make these cookies larger?

Yes, you can make larger cookies, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly (they may need a few extra minutes).

10. Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just allow them to cool completely before freezing.

Conclusion

These jam cookies are the perfect balance of buttery, soft cookie and sweet, tangy jam. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress. Easy to make, customizable, and endlessly delicious, they’ll become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the best jam cookies you’ve ever tasted!